Aligned Carbon Nanotube Sheets for Faster Heat Dissipation in Firefighter Garment

Details

• Personal Author:
  Alvarez N ; Malik R ; Schulz M ; Shanov V
• Description:
  Firefighting in the United States is becoming more of a profession than it once was. Heat injury is a major issue for firefighters as they wear insulated clothing and cannot shed the heat generated from physical exertion. Early onset of heat stress affects cognitive function which combined with operating in dangerous environment makes heat stress and dehydration a critical issue to monitor. More firefighters die in the line of duty from heart attacks than from any other cause. And slips, trips and falls cause a large number of firefighter injuries. While the origins of heart attack and slip, trip and fall may appear unrelated, previous research suggests that heat stress may be a common causal factor in both heart attacks and slips, trips and falls. Research further suggests that one common, critical factor can potentially mitigate both of these injuries and fatalities: modified personal protective equipment (PPE). This project is aimed at the development of a component of the PPE viz. a cooling vest worn under the turnout gear for more efficient heat dissipation from the body of the firefighter. This will be achieved by incorporating carbon nanotube sheet textile material in between layers of cotton. The carbon nanotube sheet material will also be functionalized by plasma to make it hydrophilic and improve moisture interaction and comfort of the firefighter. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Firefighters Heat Stress Disorders Hot Temperature Occupational Health Personal Protective Equipment Safety
• Keywords:
  Carbon Nanotubes CNT Fabrics Fire Fighters Heat Dissipation Heat Stress Injury Prevention Nanomaterials Personal Protective Equipment PPE
• Publisher:
  University of Cincinnati
• Document Type:
  Text
• Funding:
  Grant
• Genre:
  Abstract or Summary
• Place as Subject:
  Ohio ; OSHA Region 5
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Pages in Document:
  1
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20052484
• Citation:
  15th Annual Pilot Research Project Symposium, University of Cincinnati Education and Research Center, October 9-10, 2014, Cincinnati, Ohio. Cincinnati, OH: University of Cincinnati, 2014 Oct; :1
• Email:
  malikrt@mail.uc.edu
• CAS Registry Number:
  Carbon nanotubes (CAS RN 308068-56-6)
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2015
• Performing Organization:
  University of Cincinnati
• Peer Reviewed:
  True
• Start Date:
  20050701
• Source Full Name:
  15th Annual Pilot Research Project Symposium, University of Cincinnati Education and Research Center, October 9-10, 2014, Cincinnati, Ohio
• End Date:
  20260630
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:3041290780ad0d99ddb02be56fbc6339f76fd4e236ef5db52d464d0188c67279c532a66db0c709dbe364c029ea17169932eca1a5b6e52cba363e64cfef9b9490
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/212002/cdc_212002_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 65.66 KB ]